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Week 5 Recap

Historical comparisonS

The 2011 and 2012 season averages for each team game for kickoff and punt returns were fairly close.  This season started out seeing significantly fewer kickoff returns than in previous years, as well as a slight drop in yards per punt return. Week 5 continued to move the averages a little closer to historical numbers, as it nudged the kick returns per game from 1.9 to 2.0. In punt returns, a number of long returns boosted the season average per return to 8.8.

TOP PERFORMERS

Deonte Thompson continued to handle returns for the Ravens for at least one more week, and managed to accumulate 128 yard on 4 returns. Houston's Keshawn Martin has been more willing than some returners to bring kicks out of the end zone, and in Week 5 that willingness resulted in 120 yards on five returns. Martin was injured and his status needs to be watched this week.  Third in kick returns was David Reed, who is fully active for the Colts now after having been injured early in the season. Reed had 4 returns for 107 yards in Week 4, and tops our projections for Week 5 in large part to playing a San Diego team that is struggling to get touchbacks on kickoffs.

In punt return news, Travis Benjamin's 79-yard punt return touchdown for the Cleveland Browns was the only return touchdown of the week, and Benjamin went on to notch 7 punt returns for 179 yards. Jacksonville's Ace Sanders came close to besting that feat but his 88-yard touchdown was negated by a penalty.  Tavon Austin of the Rams also put on a strong performance but for penalties that turned what could have been 4 returns for 92 yards into a more forgettable 4 returns for 15 yards.

Job Changes

Jacoby Jones ended up not playing for the Ravens in Week 5. He continues to be limited in practice but expectations are increased for him to return to the lineup this week. As Baltimore may ease Jones back in and split the return duties, it may take a long return or touchdown for any Ravens returner to be a good start this week.

As expected, after releasing Jeremy Ross the Packers returned from bye and utilized a combination of Randall Cobb along with Micah Hyde on punt returns. Johnathan Franklin saw the kick return duties, though one should expect Cobb could be in the mix there as well based on game situation.

The Patriots turned to LaGarrette Blount to fill their need at running back with Stevan Ridley injured. With Blount busy on offense, Devin McCourty handled most of the returns. Leon Washington also received an opportunity but was injured during special teams play. Ridley is back for Week 6, but Blount may continue to figure prominently in the Patriots offensive plans, so he becomes a risky start as a kick returner.

Patrick Peterson owners should not get too excited about seeing he had a kickoff return.  The Cardinal's standout punt returner handled the free kick after a safety, which shows in many of the box scores as a kickoff return.

A serious injury to Falcons receiver Julio Jones may have an impact on Harry Douglas handling Atlanta's punt returns. In preseason the team had considered reducing his returns so he could focus on offense. Now that their need for Douglas on offense has increased, it is a good possibility that the Falcons may turn to Dominique Franks to at least join the mix on punt returns.

Marquise Goodwin was close to returning last week for Buffalo. This week expectations are high that he will be worked back into kickoff returns. Marcus Easley had been handling them in Goodwin's absence.  Also returning is Leodis McKelvin, who is no longer on the injury report and should see the majority of the punt returns again.

Injuries of Note

Dwayne Harris played for the Cowboys in Week 5, though his injury may have been bothering him as evidenced by Harris giving up playing time as the game progressed. This included some of his return duties. As one of the players who is normally assured all of his team's returns, Harris tends to be a strong option each week, but owners will want to watch his injury status closely this week.

In New York, defending kick return champion David Wilson suffered a neck injury. The Giants turned to Jerrel Jernigan to handle kickoff returns after the injury. Expect a mix of Jernigan and Michael Cox as Wilson has already been ruled inactive for Week 6.

As previously noted, Houston's Keshawn Martin suffered a shoulder injury and left the game. Shiloh Keo is the expected beneficiary, though the team could turn to receiver DeVier Posey as well should Martin not be able to play.

Week 6 Team Return Projections

Week 6 Player Return Projections